Backward-diode pressure transducer retains the advantages of a tunneling mechanism, requires no shunting resistor, operates at a low voltage level, and consumes little power

Garfein, A.

Rindner, W.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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Backward-Diode Pressure Sensor 
December 1969
	
Brief 69-10690 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Miniature Backward-Diode Pressure Sensor Features 
Stability and Low Power Consumption 
The pressure sensitivity of degenerate semiconduc-
tor junctions has recently been utilized very effectively 
in miniature pressure sensors (transducers). 
Investigations of the tunnel diode as a pressure 
transducer (see Tech Brief 68-10563) proved that a 
shunting resistor was necessary to eliminate the
negative resistance. Negative resistance can caus, 
unwanted oscillation and makes it difficult to bias 
the tunnel diode at the peak-current point. Addition 
of a shunt resistor solves the problem at the expense 
of greater package volume and added fabrication 
steps. 
Use of a backward diode avoids the difficulties men-
tioned above, because it does not exhibit negative 
resistance. The backward-diode pressure transducer 
retains the advantages of a tunneling mechanism, 
requires no shunting resistor, operates at a low voltage 
level, and consumes little power. 
Because of its exceedingly small size, this device may 
be valuable in biomedical and other applications re-
quiring miniature pressure sensors. 
Note: 
Request for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Electronics Research Center 
575 Technology Square 
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 
Reference: TSP69- 10690 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about rights for commercial use of this 
invention may be made to NASA, Code GP, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20546 
Source: W. Rindner and A. Garfein

Electronics Research Center 
(ERC- 10229) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Miniature backward-diode pressure sensor features stability and low power consumption

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